The Tribune

RICARDO “Ricky” Davis is making strides since his first tournament at the Alaqua Country Club on November 3, 2013, in Tampa, Florida, where he finished in a tie for No. 28 with a score of 223 after a three-day event.

It was the ninth edition of the tournament, one of many on the Florida Professional Golf Tour (FPGT).

According to his manager Jacquie Rolle, participating on a tour like this helps professional golfers like Davis, who desire to play on the PGA tour.

However, with the new rules established in 2013, going to Qualifying School (Q-School) is no longer the option for a PGA Tour card.

Now players must earn a spot on the Web.com Tour by going through Q-school, making it more difficult to earn that spot, by adding the Web.com Tour to the equation.

In addition, players may opt to qualify for one of a few spots in open events in order to play directly onto the tour.

Davis is also doing that in addition to playing the mini tours throughout the Orlando, Florida region.

With a clear-cut plan and goals already in place, Rolle said Davis knows what it takes to get there - play in as many tournaments as possible.

Davis’ second tournament was played at the Eagle Creek Club, November 21-22, 2013, in Orlando, Florida.

Each event had a pool of 144 players and played on a 36-hole course.

Although he did not take home a pay cheque, he still had a strong showing.

After the first day’s score of 74, one over par and second day score of 74, one over par again, he closed out the two-day event with a score of two over par, totalling 148, and tied at No. 42.

“Consider the challenges that Ricky has to face due to a lack of practice facilities and limited funding - he is clearly beating the odds. Ricky has a ‘never give up mentality’ that is reaping results.

“Giving the Bahamas hope that in the very near future we will see a Bahamian Golfer on the PGA Tour,” said a press release.

“What is next for him? Play and win as many tournaments, improve his game, secure sponsorship, and begin to get ranked within the world rankings. His dream is to prove firstly, to himself that he can achieve all of his dreams and goals and in the process, help to pave the way for many youngsters that will follow. A remarkable journey indeed that is ripe for great success.”